Students planning on studying abroad have been working tirelessly for months to research and apply for specific programs, and in February, they celebrated and rejoiced when they finally found out their future travel destinations. However, some of that excitement turned into stress when inboxes began to flood with emails from the Office of International Education (OIE). Countless to-do tasks appeared on the online applications and students were hit with the realization that the work was far from over. If you are one of these students, don’t worry; there is plenty of help available. To start, here’s a general guide to what you should be accomplishing throughout the upcoming quarter and summer before taking on the world.
Disclaimer: everyone’s programs are different, and not all requirements are the same. Some people may have more or less work to complete, so be sure to know your own specifics.
First thing’s first, check in with email and DU Passport often.
Email is the primary method of communication for study abroad information. Keep your inbox organized so that nothing important slips through the cracks, and don’t forget to occasionally check spam folders in case your email sorts something foreign into the trash. Likewise, DU Passport is your one-stop-shop for information about study abroad. Those stressful empty check boxes that keep appearing online are actually full of important dates, deadlines and program-specific information. If you have a question, chances are that it’s answered on Passport. It’s also useful to log in periodically to double check that your program facts and dates are consistent and correct.
Keep track of all your logistics. There is a lot of information to learn and a long list of tasks to complete for everyone. There are also personal details to start considering. Here are just some things to keep in mind: program applications, visa/residence permit requirements, housing applications, immigration laws, health/disabilities information, emergency contacts, personal finances, technology availability, weather appropriate clothing, class registration, currency exchanges, luggage, flights, pre-departure orientations, housing upon return, scholarships, academic plans/course approvals, passports, grade translations, letters of recommendations, insurance, transcripts and more.
Steering away from the administrative aspects of studying abroad, there are some helpful, easy and fun means of preparation, as well.
Meet with a returnee from your program.
Through DU Passport, the OIE provided a full list of study abroad returnees willing to communicate with future students. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone who has experienced what you soon will–most are exceptionally eager to talk about their time abroad. Ask questions, look at pictures and get excited.
Learn or practice your new language. Many students going abroad will soon be fully immersing themselves in a foreign language. If you’re not currently enrolled in a language class through DU, there are other options to consider. Learn more obscure languages like Swedish or Portuguese by applying for a Directed Independent Language Study for the summer through DU Center for World Languages and Cultures. DU Library Services offers programs like Mango Languages and Rosetta Stone free for students. Download a “word-of-the-day” app on your phone to get some new vocabulary. Start searching for a language class offered outside DU for the summer. Even if you’re going to the UK or another English-speaking country, it might be fun to do some research on foreign slang or alternate terms that may be unfamiliar.
Keep researching your location, but not too much.
The internet puts the world at your fingertips; before you leave, if you haven’t already, do some research about holidays, traditions and cultural norms. You can read about pop culture, fashion, music icons and athletics. Check out a map of the host city you’ll soon call home. You can even start planning how you’ll spend your time if you intend to travel a lot while abroad. However, leave some things up to experience and imagination, as you should be able to travel with an open mind and the excitement of the unknown ahead of you.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Study abroad can be intimidating, busy and overwhelming, but there are countless people available to help. Reach out to the OIE, your peers or returnees for help preparing for your amazing adventure.
